The New Orleans Jesters begin a critical three-game home stretch tonight at 7 p.m. when they face the Chivas El Paso Patriots, the team tied for second place in the Mid-South Division.

With a victory tonight, the Jesters (2-3-5) would be in a three- or four-way tie for second in the division.

"We could be in a solid second place position if we win on Friday and on Sunday, so it's a huge weekend for us," said Jesters Coach Kenny Farrell. "If we take both games this weekend, there is a tremendous possibility to win the league, but it all starts with going to the playoffs. We expect a successful weekend and we would love to have additional support from a great crowd."

On Sunday, the Jesters will play the Laredo Heat, the team that leads the division with a record of 6-1-1. In order to make the playoffs, the Jesters need to finish as one of the top two teams in their division.

"This league is so tough. It's the toughest division in the whole USL PDL," Farrell said. "I think that the way the results are coming in now and it being so tight, anyone could take the playoffs. We are in a good position with the six remaining games, four being at home and two on the road."